The Back-to-School Reset
Back-to-school is the perfect time for a refresh—not just for school supplies and schedules, but for the spaces that support your family’s everyday routines. A little organization before the school year gets into full swing can make a big difference, whether you’re getting little ones ready for their first day or helping a college student settle into a dorm.
With a new season comes a chance to rethink what’s working, make a few thoughtful changes, and set your spaces up for the months ahead. Here are a few ideas to help you start the school year feeling prepared and ready for what’s next.
Smoother School Days
Refresh and reset
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your home it’s because you have too much stuff. Before kids go back to school (and bring home more piles of stuff), do a seasonal shed!
To make it easy, go through your house with a big bin and start picking up things that need to go: broken toys, empty sunscreen, random cards, miscellaneous paperwork, freebie toys, broken crayons, beaded bracelets—anything that is contributing to clutter.
Once the trash is gone, it’s a lot less overwhelming to see what's left and work on further editing or rehoming. For more tips on how to successfully declutter, check out our digital Editing Guide!
Give closets a game plan
Managing clothing feels like a full-time job for kids. Before the season changes, it’s a good time to inventory kids' clothes, shoes, and outerwear.
Check what you have, see what still fits, and make a list of everything that needs to be replaced. This way you’re not shopping aimlessly and can even take advantage of back-to-school sales!
To make school day mornings easier, Ashley uses a weekly clothes organizer for each of her kids—they pick out what they’re wearing together, so there’s less to fight about in the morning. It also means she can send them up after breakfast to brush their teeth and get dressed on their own!
Establish your drop zone
Whether you’re in an apartment or a home, establishing a drop zone is key. Each kid should have a cubby or a hook (or both) for their backpack, coat and shoes.
A simple setup that they can reach means they can hang up their own things and find them the next morning. Even a good stick-on hook can work for this!
Simplify lunch prep
Stock grab-and-go bins with snacks, breakfast staples, and reusable containers so packing lunches becomes a quick, streamlined part of the morning.
We love dedicating a drawer or two as a "kids zone" using bins or dividers to keep everything organized and easy to grab.
What Ashley’s using this year
Dorm Room Done Right
Maximize every inch
Dorm rooms are small, so every inch counts. Under-bed storage, over-the-door racks, and stackable drawers can instantly create more room without making the space feel cluttered.
Bed risers are another smart way to make use of the space you already have. By lifting the bed higher, you can fit larger storage bins, shoes, or seasonal items underneath and keep less frequently used things tucked away.
Add storage on wheels
A rolling cart is one of our favorite dorm room multitaskers. Use it as a bedside table for books and chargers, a coffee or snack station, a school-supply organizer, or extra storage for toiletries and beauty products.
Because it can easily move around the room, it’s a flexible way to add storage without taking up permanent floor space.
Simplify laundry day
We love a collapsible hamper because it stores flat when it’s not in use. Pair it with a small caddy for detergent, stain remover, and dryer essentials so everything is easy to carry to and from the laundry room.
Dorm must-haves
A Fresh Start for the School Year
The start of a new year is always exciting (and a little chaotic!). These tips can help you feel more prepared and confident for the transition, while creating spaces that work for whatever the year brings.